Dan Martin (UAE Team Emirates) also abandoned earlier in the race as the bunch passed through the feed zone. The Irishman had reportedly been recovering from illness at the Vuelta al País Vasco and was riding in support of team-mate Diego Ulissi.

Four-time La Doyenne winner Valverde was looking to claim a record-equalling fifth win, despite a change to the finish which saw a flat run-in that would have impacted his chances.

There is currently under 100km left to race with the day’s breakaway, that features Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie), only 2-24 up the road.